As a homeowner, you’re likely aware that termites are a threat to your house. However, if you’re like most people, you probably don’t know exactly how they do so much damage. Even more concerning, termites are difficult to detect. So, this week, we want to dedicate some to talking about these destructive creatures.
How Termites Damage Your Home
Termites are attracted to areas with high moisture content and can enter homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation, walls, and roof. Once inside, they feed on the home’s wooden structures, including floors, walls, and ceilings. They can also cause damage to books, furniture, and other cellulose-based materials in the house.
One of the primary ways termites damage homes is by eating away at wooden structures. Termites feed on cellulose, found in the cell walls of plants and trees, including the wood used to build homes. They can tunnel through wooden structures, causing them to weaken and eventually collapse. This can be especially dangerous if the structure is load-bearing, such as the support beams in a house.
Another way termites damage homes is by creating moisture problems. Termites need a source of moisture to survive, and they can create moisture problems in homes by burrowing through pipes, condensation, or leaks. This can lead to mold and other moisture-related issues, which can also cause damage to the home.
Termites can also damage homes by creating entry points for other pests. As they tunnel through walls and wooden structures, they make small holes and gaps that other pests can use to enter the home. This can lead to infestations of other insects, such as ants or cockroaches, which can also cause damage to the house.
Detecting Termites
Termites can be difficult to detect because they often work behind the scenes, hidden from view. Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of termite damage, such as hollow-sounding wood, buckling floors, or visible tunnels or mud tubes on the walls. If any of these signs are present, it’s important to seek professional help immediately.
Preventing termite damage involves reducing moisture levels in and around the home, sealing cracks and crevices, and using termite-resistant materials when building or repairing structures. Homeowners can also have their homes inspected regularly by a pest control professional to catch any potential termite problems early.
Professional Termite Extermination from Bug-A-Way
If you’ve discovered termites on your property, time is of the essence! It’s important to get a damage assessment and begin treatments before termites can do additional damage. To have Bug-A-Way Pest Control provide emergency treatments, contact us for a quote.